Bob Strausz World War II Letters: Okinawa, Japan

Dad arrived in Okinawa on April 1, 1945

Dear Mother and Dad:

Sorry that it has been so long since I have written but while we were aboard ship the daily routine was so much the same that there just wasn't anything to talk about. The last few nites it got very hot and many of us took to sleeping out on the deck. One nite were very comfortably situated when about two oclock up came one of those frequent rainstorms and before we could move, we were all quite thoroughly soaked. But all in all, it was a very enjoyable trip and I think most of the fellows enjoyed it fairly well. But you can mark my words that it is sure a relief to be on land again. We got in the other day (April 1st; Battle of Okinawa began that day.) and haven't done much yet except get things squared away. I ran into a number of fellows that I went to school with back at Quantico and New River and it was very good to see them. My bunk mate at Quantico is down in a hospital here, having just come back from the last operation. I don't know how bad he's hurt but I am going to try and get down there in the nere future. We are living in tents now and aside from the fact that it is a considerable distance from the states, the place is not much worse than any tent camp in the states. As yet there is no water except what we carry in our helmets or pails that we have expropriated, but it is surprising how nice a shower you can take with your helmet, as well as wash your clothes, shave, etc. We have electric lights in our tent but some of them don't as yet. I spent the first day building a little furniture for the tent and you would be surprised how livable it looks. Built e a wash stand for my helmet and expropriated a five gallon bucket. Also have a writing table and a cabnet. The only thing about making a place too nice is that as soon as you get all the improvements completed, off you go to some other place. They have an outdoor movie that is showing some pretty fair pictures. The movie is proceeded by a very good news commentary, and of late, it sounds very encouraging. Certainly appears as if the European affair could very easily finish up shortly. Hope so. Haven't got a line on Mike, but I believe that he is in on the latest movement.

Right now I am writing this by Coleman Lantern light and the darn thing is just about shot. Needs another mantle. I got a new job today. Am now Exec. Officer of H & S Do, since we added a few new infantry officers to the company to take care of the training program. Sure hope that we get split up soon and get in a regular outfit. The uncertainty of a draft soon begins to get on ones nerves. Haven't got any mail yet but hope to have some in the next day or two. There was a mixup in our mail somewhere along the line. Don't worry, please. I'm feeling fine and in very good health. Say hello to everybody, Love.

April 8, 1945

Got your no. 5 letter today and have likewise received all the others. Our mail service is getting very good now and it is taking about 5 or six days to get letters from the West Coast.

Today a bunch of us went down to the beach swimming. I'm not kidding you, but the place looked like Coney Island on the fourth of July. It is a very nice beach with the exception of coral rocks scattered all over the place. there is sure a lot of difference between the water here and that which we sued to swim in in Puget Sound or even down in Southern Cal. It is really nice. There were a lot of army and navy nurses swimming today too but most of them are pretty sad apples. (But they all had a man, you can bet your neck on that). I had a surprising thing happen while I was down there. I was walking along the beach and some guy came up behind me and gave me a swat on the back, but you would never guess who it was. Bill Blecken. I was just as surprised to see him as he was to see me. He's been out here with a ea Bees outfit since October and says that he has a pretty soft job. I'm going to try to get off one of these nights soon and go down and have dinner with him. His outfit is located about ten miles down the road from us so it won't be too hard to get down there. When I left Cal Lillian told me that she thought that he might be out around here but since I got here I didn't know where to inquire as to whether he was here. But you can tell his folks that he looks fine and seems to be having a pretty good time. At least, if he spends as much time at the beach as I would I'm sure he would be having a very good time. But it's certainly a small world.

I'm sorry to hear that Mable didn't fair so well with the SeaBee. Incidentally, when you write her next, you might remind her that she owes me a letter that I would more than enjoy receiving. also tell her that I was sorry that I didn't get down and visit with her friends in Carlsbad but I just didn't seem to get the time. (I just rewound and turned over this ribbon to see if it would make it any better and it did, now maybe you'll be able to read it without too much difficulty.)

Just got back from hearing the news and it certainly sounded good. they've just about got all the Jap navy sunk now so from now on there ought not to be too much opposition. The war in Europe is going very favorable too, and it won't be long before the country is completely cut up. The Okinawa campaign seems to be going very favorably too with casualties not too high.

[here he makes reference to his poor handwriting and need for a typewriter. BUT he thinks his is better than brother David's, and would appreciate it if David would type his correspondence. He also talks about Caroline, David's future wife.]

At the crease above: Mary said that she had a shotgun wedding the other day and she said it was one of the saddest things that she has ever seen. I can't imagine why in a wedding like that that the parents would pick a place as public as Forest Lawn but they did. She said that the little girl was crying all the time and they could hardly get her to answer the questions. Its too bad when a couple of kids get them in a position like that. [I think Mary has a job at city hall or somewhere associated with weddings. Will update this as I learn more.]

April 12, 1945

The next letter is to Bob Lynch, a long-time Yakima friend. He is a pilot in Europe. The is the only letter here that is not addressed to his parents. He sent a carbon to Lynch's parents, and they must have given it to Dad's parents.

He's back to longhand again, as he explains in the letter. I will transscribe below.

June 9
Dear Mother and Dad -

I'm sorry for the long lapse of time between my last letter and this one, but we've been moving around so fastthat I haven't had the opportunity. I left the typewriter at our former camp together with all of my other gear (writing included). We're in Naha now and will probably be till the place is secured. When I get to my machine I'll write you a good letter but right now I haven't the time. I was very interested in the account of the tanks in the Geographic as I didn't

know the particulars on them. These poor people are certainly in bad shape. Yesterday a friend in the company saw Mike coming off the lines, so he's still okay. My mail is coming good when we get it. Got a letter from Lois. She seems to like married life. Got two letters from Roseann and Mary writes often, so I can't kick.

This will be all for now as you know how I hate to write in long hand.

Hope your all well,

Love,

Bob